From a scientific perspective this means dogs represent an exciting but under-utilised resource: unique morphological characteristics in different breeds mean that dogs can act as a model system to study how anatomical traits influence the mechanics of motion in animals.
Working in collaboration with The Natural History Museum, the Kennel Club, and the BBSRC; the University of Liverpool has launched The Dog Walk Study with the goal of better understanding the challenges around canine morphology and influencing the future of breeding, and clinical veterinary care.
Understanding Movement
The aim of this project is to investigate links between variations in morphology and walking mechanics in domestic dog breeds using a combination of statistical shape analyses methods developed by comparative biologists, and motion analysis and biomechanical modelling typically used by engineers.
Our state-of-the-art Gait Lab, based in the William Henry Duncan Building of the University of Liverpool, allows us a unique opportunity to develop graphics like the one below, reconstructing the movement of our subjects in great detail.
Influencing the Future
This new research is timely given growing concerns about the welfare implications of selective breeding in dogs and fears that many anatomical traits may place unnatural engineering demands on their bones and joints thereby creating predisposition to disease and injury in certain breeds.
Our work will contribute scientific data that can be used in the future to improve canine breed practices and better inform veterinarians on treatments and the design of breed-specific joint replacements.
Get Involved
What will my dog need to do?
Dogs will be asked to perform walking trials in our purpose-built biomechanics lab at the University of Liverpool main campus in Liverpool. We will measure the motion of their joints using skin markers, sensors, cameras and x-ray methods.
Who can take part?
We are looking to recruit young, healthy dogs from the following breeds: German Shepherds, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Dachshunds, West Highland White Terriers, French Bulldogs, Border Collies and Beagles. They need to be at least 1 year old but younger than 8 years old, with no signs of health problems that affect their movement. Your dog must currently be going for walks of between 30-90 minutes a day and should be a good healthy weight. They should also be happy to be handled and do some basic tasks: standing still, and walking and trotting in a straight line.
If your dog meets the criteria outlined above and you wish to take part, click here.
This project will help us understand the impact of selective breeding on canine anatomy and musculoskeletal health. We will analyse how the anatomy and movement of a dog's skeleton changes during its growth, particularly in different breeds. By tracking these growth trajectories, we hope to shed light on potential links between specific breeding and growth patterns and the development of musculoskeletal health issues in dogs as a result.
Professor Eithne Comerford
